Bull test; Wolves; Stockwater; all topics at WCA convention

Washington Ag November 5, 2009 After opening next Wednesday with the Pfizer Cattlemen's College, the Washington Cattlemen and CattleWomen's annual convention gets down to committee meetings on Thursday November 12th. The convention runs through next Saturday at the Red Lion in Pasco. WCA executive vice president Jack Field says a committee meeting Thursday morning will feature a discussion on the WCA/WSU Bull Test and Sale. Field: "Washington State University they are no longer interested in hosting the test so we are trying to figure out what our next steps are into the future." In an Animal Health Committee state veterinarian Dr. Leonard Eldridge will speak. Field: "He is going to talk about the tuberculosis investigation and give an overview of where we are with tb preventative measures here in Washington state." The Thursday luncheon will feature the NRCS state conservationist and keynoter Patrick Dorinson a Fox News columnist and political contributor. Field says Thursday afternoon is an update on the draft wolf management plan followed by a presentation from Idaho ranch manager Casey Anderson. Field: "Mr. Anderson is going tell us about some of the real life issues that happen when you have wolves in your area and some of the challenges and travails that he and his ranch operation have had to go through as a result of wolves re-establishing in Idaho." On Friday the 13th committee sessions will address the stock water issue and animal ID. And that's just a few of the things going on at the convention that will also include a live cutting demonstration of beef value cuts and cowboy poets. I'm Bob Hoff and that's Washington Ag Today on the Northwest Ag Information Network.